Pakistan, EU agree to boost counterterrorism cooperation, tackle online radicalisation: FO
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) agreed on Thursday to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, including efforts to combat violent extremism, terrorist financing and the misuse of cyberspace, during the 10th round of their bilateral counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
According to a statement on X, Director General Counterterrorism Dr Fareha Bugti led the Pakistani delegation, while Anna Strzaska, the European External Action Service’s Special Envoy for Counterterrorism, headed the EU delegation.
The two sides reviewed recent regional and global developments affecting the terrorism threat landscape and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, reaffirming their commitment to combating the threat.
The EU delegation condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, expressed solidarity with the victims and acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts to counter terrorism, the Foreign Office said.
Both sides also expressed concern over the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan and recognised each other’s role in the global fight against terrorism.
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During the dialogue, Pakistan and the EU agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to develop a coordinated approach to counterterrorism. They underscored the importance of effective multilateralism in building lasting international consensus on combating terrorism.
The discussions also focused on emerging terrorist threats, particularly the exploitation of cyberspace, information and energy resources by terrorist groups to advance their objectives.
Both delegations exchanged best practices on preventing violent extremism, countering terrorist financing and addressing radicalisation, particularly the growing use of digital platforms by terrorist organisations.
The two sides identified priority areas for future cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular, institutionalised engagement on counterterrorism.
The next round of the bilateral counterterrorism dialogue will be held in Brussels next year on a mutually convenient date, the Foreign Office said.Read More